Space frame floor column system

ABSTRACT

A support column for a horizontally extending space frame system of the type wherein an upper chord frame and a lower chord frame structure are formed of a plurality of strut members connected to each other and held together by a plurality of connecting fixtures. The support column is adapted for connection to the connecting fixtures by one or more arm members and/or seat fixtures carried at the top of the support column. The arm members and/or seat fixtures also support a second support column extending upwardly through the space frame system to support another vertically higher horizontally extending space frame system.

United States Patent [191 Papayoti Ill] 3,927,499

[ 1' Dec. 23, 1975 I 1 SPACE FRAME FLOOR COLUMN SYSTEM [75] Inventor:I-lristo V. Papayoti, Ann Arbor,

[21] Appl. No.: 363,365

[52] US. Cl. 52/263; 52/648 [51] Int. E04B 5/43 [58] Field of Search52/648, 633, 650, 651,

52/652. 655, 263, 758 B, 758 C, 758 D, 745, 726; 403/13, 14, 174,178,217

OTHER PUBLICATIONS Space Grid Structures by John Borrego 1968 pp. 6-17,30-33 52-55 104, 105.

Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Henry RaduazoAttomey, Agent, or FirmGilford, Chandler & Sheridan [57] ABSTRACT Asupport column for a horizontally extending space frame system of thetype wherein an upper chord frame and a lower chord frame structure arefonned of a plurality of strut members connected to each other and heldtogether by a plurality of connecting fixtures. The support column isadapted for connection to the connecting fixtures by one or more annmembers and/or seat fixtures carried at the top of the support column.The arm members and/or seat fixtures also support a second supportcolumn extending upwardly through the space frame system to supportanother vertically higher horizontally extending space frame system.

10 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 10f53,927,499

U.S.' Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet30f5 3,927,499

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 4 of5 3,927,499

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 5 of 5 3,927,499

46 Fig /9 Fig-l8 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to building construction and, moreparticularly, to support columns for space frame systems providing ahigh load carrying and stress distributing structural capacity.

I]. Description of the Prior Art C. W. Attwood U.S. Pat. No. 3,270,478,C. W. Attwood et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,280 and H. V. Papayoti U.S. Pat.No. 3,443,348, all of which are of common ownership herewith, disclose astandardized system of space frame construction involving the use oflight weight, interchangeable elements of high quality material,manufactured to close tolerances, that can be assembled at a very lowcost even by relatively inexperienced workers to form structures varyinggreatly in design and capable of being readily disassembled, altered, orexpanded to meet the changing needs of the user, the components beingsubstantially 100% salvageable. Such a flexible type of structuralframework is well suited for many different types of buildings,pavilions, three dimensional trusses, structural spans, and the like. Inaddition, such a structural framework meets not only the requirements offlexibility, standardization, and high quality, but is capable ofcarrying large loads and can be engineered to form spaces of varioussizes and shapes instead of being limited to certain overall fixeddimensions as is the case with conventional structures.

As is disclosed in the aforesaid patents, a space frame is a structurein which forces act in three or more directions in space. The structureuses four substantially standardized basic parts; namely, connectingfixtures, struts, bolts and nuts. The essence of the four basic parts isa preformed universal connecting fixture having horizontally andangularly located seats with accurate locating and securing means towhich the struts are secured by the nuts and bolts. The space framesystems can be applied in assembly roof span constructions as well asfloors and other structures. Until the appearance on the market of spaceframes, known by the trademarks UNISTRUT" and ATTWOOD SYS- TEM," trussesand the like used in roofs, floors and other building structures wereeither welded together and carried to the construction site or wereassembled by welding, riveting or bolting in the field. Specified partswhich individually were adapted for only one specialized use had to bealtered as necessary as construction progressed. The shortcomings andthe inconveniences of prior construction systems were overcome by thespace frame system of construction utilizing lightweight, easily handledmodular parts. Since these parts are manufactured in large quantitiesand are accurately dimensioned, interchangeability of the parts is aprime advantage. The precision with which parts are made in the factoryinsures speed and accuracy in assembly. The parts arrive on the sitepreflnished and are readily joined together. Workmen do not have to usetapes or squares and the simplicity of assembly even permits theemployment of relatively unskilled labor.

Such space frame structures provide a building construction having afloor structure or a roof structure that is held at a predetermineddistance above the ground and has appropriate load carrying capacity andcharacteristics. It would, however, be desirable to provide a supportcolumn structure for providing structural support to a plurality ofvertically disposed floor and/or roof structures of frame constructionwhich heretofore have not been attainable. The chief problem in adaptingthis space frame system to multi-floored buildings, which is solved bythe present invention, is that load concentrates at the connectors andis transmitted through them from the struts to the supportingstructures, and the columns must therefore not only penetrate throughthe space frame structure but also support the loads and transmitstresses without disrupting its geometry and structural unity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is adapted to a plurality of verticallyspaced floor and ceiling structures, each of which comprises a spaceframe system including a lower chord frame structure and an upper chordframe structure disposed in parallel and horizontally disposed planes. Astress distributing web structure spaces and connects the lower andupper chord frame structure of each space frame system. The chord framesand web structure are formed of stress carrying channel strut membersinterconnected at their ends by standardized connecting fixturesregularly spaced along a plurality of longitudinal and lateral rows.

The invention more particularly comprises support columns adapted toprovide multi-point load carrying capacity for the vertically spacedspace frame structures to provide a floor, or floors, and a roof for abuilding, with the multiple point support columns being standardized.This is accomplished by providing lower support columns, each of whichpreferably has one or more arm members and/or seat fixtures disposed atthe top of the column, each arm member and/or seat fixture in turn beingconnected to the space frame structure by connection with the connectingfixtures. A second upper support column is in turn carried by the armmember and/or seat fixture of the lower support column and extendsupwardly to support the next higher space frame structure. In thismanner, support is provided for a multi-level space frame structurehaving substantial rigidity and high load carrying capacity with alimited number of support columns, the columns structurally penetratingthe space frames without disrupting their load carrying and stressdistributing functions.

Other objects, advantages, and applications of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art of space framestructures when the accompanying description of several examples of thepresent invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer tolike parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of the top of a space frame structureconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of thestructure illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of a portion of thespace frame structure and the preferred support column illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical top elevational view of a corner section of alower chord frame structure and depicting the manner in which the framestructure is supported by the support columns of FIGS. 2, 6, Sand 10;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top elevational view of another preferredsupport column constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the support column as viewed from line6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top elevational view of a further preferredsupport column constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the support column as viewed from line8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top elevational view of yet another preferredsupport column constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of the support column as seen along line10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the support columnillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the support columnillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the supportcolumn illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, top elevational view of still anotherpreferred support column constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view of a support column as seen along linel5-l5 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the column supporttaken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary diagrammatic side elevational view of aplurality of vertically spaced space frame structures supported by asupport column constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a still furtherpreferred support column construction;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a two-way columnsupport construction; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the support columnillustrated in FIG. 19 with parts broken away.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsand, more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 and 17 illustrating an example of anapplication of a preferred support column structure to a floor and roofframework and, preferably, to a framework of the space frame systemvariety. A floor space frame structure, generally designated at A,comprises an upper chord frame structure A and a lower chord framestructure A, held in spatial relationship by way of an intermediate webstructure A,. In FIG. 17, a roof space frame structure, generallydesignated at B, comprises an upper chord frame structure B and a lowerchord frame structure B, held in spatial relationship by way of anintermediate web structure B The upper and lower chord frame structuresand the web structures of the floor and roof space frame structures Aand B are preferably assembled from a plurality of back to back strutmembers 10 which are preferably channelshaped and which are well knownin the trade as being marketed under the trade name 'UNISTRUTR' Sincethe upper and lower chord frame structures A, and A of the floor spaceframe structure A are substantially identical in construction to theupper and lower chord frame structures B and B of the roof space framestructure B, only the upper and lower chord frame structures A and A,will be described in detail. However, it is to be understood that thedescription following is equally applicable to both.

The upper and lower chord frame structures A, and A, further include aplurality of connecting fixtures 12, one being shown in detail in FIG.3, which are particularly described in detail in the aforementioned U.S.Pat. No. 3,270,478 and consist of a member provided with a horizontal orplane portion having a plurality of seats 14, and a plurality of angleseats 16 joined to the seats 14 by way of inclined integral gussets 18.As can best be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, strut members 10 are mounted tothe top and bottom surfaces of each seat 14 of each connecting fixture12 in the upper chord structure A, by means of a bolt 20 (shown only inFIG. 3) passing through aligned apertures 26 in each strut member andapertures 25 in the connecting fixture seat and secured by a nut 22.Each end of the strut members is preferably provided with a pair ofapertures 24 (FIG. 3), symmetrically disposed on both sides of theaperture 26 and adapted to accept projecting portions or lugs 27 whichare integral with the seat 14 for the purpose of providing perfectalignment and secure fastening of the elements together, as well astransmitting shear loads from the strut members 10 to the connectingfixtures 12, as described in detail in the aforementioned patent.

Every strut member 10 forming the web frame structure A mounted on theseat 16 of the connecting fixture 12 by way of a similar arrangementcomprising the bolt 20 adapted to pass through an appropriate aperturein the strut member 10 and secured by a nut 22. Alignment of the strutmembers 10 relative to the connecting fixtures 12 is accomplished in thesame manner by a pair of apertures 24 symmetrically disposed on bothsides of the aperture 26 and adapted to receive the projecting portionson the surface of the angle seat 16 in a manner indicated in greaterdetail in the aforementioned patent.

The web strut members 10 are preferably attached to the oppositesurfaces of the seat 16 of the connecting fixtures 12 in both the upperchord frame structure A and the lower chord frame structure A,. Thespace frame structure thus formed has an upper chord frame structure A,which is in a plane parallel to the plane of the lower chord framestructure A,, the strut members 10 in each chord frame structure beingarranged in squares with the intersection of the squares of one planebeing vertically opposite the center of squares in the other plane, asbest shown for example in FIG. 1. The intersection of the squares in oneplane are joined to those in the other plane by the diagonally arrangedweb strut members 10 forming the web structure A,-, such that theresulting structure consists of a plurality of four-sided pyramids settogether right side up and up side down with all edges of the samelength. In such a space frame arrangement a single connecting fixture l2accommodates eight struts or eight pairs of strut members 10, with eachstrut or pair of strut members 10 being secured to the appropriate seatof the connecting fixture 12 by a single bolt 20 and nut 22 aspreviously explained.

The present invention provides above the ground support for a pluralityof vertically spaced frame structures by one or more support columnsadapted to hold the lowestframe structure a predetermined distance abovethe ground and subsequently vertically spaced frame structures atpredetermined distances above successive frame structures in such amanner as to provide proper transmission of stresses and loads from theframe structures to the support columns. An example of a support columnarrangement 31 constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 17 wherein thereis provided a lower upright W-beam member 32 (wide flange type section)having a lower end forming a footing 36 within the ground 34 (FIG. 17)by an appropriate conventional means. Footing 36 is properly anchored inthe ground by means of concrete or the like, as shown at 40. The top ofthe upright member 32 is provided with an end face 42 (FIG. 3) which maybe the top surface of a plate 44 welded or otherwise fastened to the topof the upright column 32. The top surface 42 of the plate 44 has asubstantially short pedestal or seat fixture 46 which includes a postportion 48 having a base 50 on the bottom thereof and preferablyattached to the post portion 48 by welding or the like. The post portion48 has a cross or X-shaped seat member 54 mounted to the top thereof byany appropriate means, such as by welding. The base 50 is provided withmounting holes 56 adapted to register with appropriate holes 58 in theplate 44 to provide adequate mounting of the short seat fixture 46thereon by any suitable means such as bolt 60 and nut 62 (FIG. 2). Thecross-shaped seat member 54 of the short seat fixture 46 is providedwith apertures 66 arranged to register with the apertures 25 in theconnecting fixture I2 and adapted to be fastened to the bottom face andwithin the channels of each strut member and to the bottom face of theseats 14 of the connecting fixture 12 forming part of the lower chordframe structure A, by means of the same fastening means consisting ofbolt and nut 22 as used for fastening thereon the lower chord framestrut members 10. In this manner the top of each upright column 32 isadapted to support the space frame structure A at a point below theconnecting fixture 12.

A second substantially short pedestal seat fixture 46 (FIG. 3),including the post portion 48, has the base 50 at the top thereof andthe cross-shaped seat member 54 mounted on the bottom thereof. Theapertures 66 of the cross-shaped seat member 54 are arranged to registerwith the apertures in the connecting fixture 12 to fasten the top faceof the strut member 10 to the top face of surfaces 14 of the connectingfixtures 12 by means of the bolt 20 and nut 22. The mounting holes 44 ofthe base 50 register with appropriate holes 58' in a plate 44' mountedat the lower end of an upper support column 59 to provide adequatemounting of the short seat fixture 46 thereto by any suitable means suchas bolts 60' and 62' (FIG. 2). Since the seat fixtures 46 can be securedto any of the connecting fixtures 12 in the upper chord and lower chordstructures A and A FIG. 3 illustrates the seat fixtures 46 as beingconnected to the upper chord A,, while FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the seatfixtures 46 as being connected to the lower chord A,. As can best beseen in FIG. 17, the upper support column 59 extends upwardly forattachment to another higher floor or to the roof space frame structureB in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to theattachment of the lower support column 32 to the floor space framestructure A It canthus be seen that the space frame structure A may besupported above the ground by means as hereinbefore described to provideboth an appropriate head clearance between the space frame and theground and a simple means of extending the support column upwardly abovethe floor space frame A for the support of another floor or the roofspace frame B without disturbing the structural integrity of each framestructure.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 11 represent a muIti-point support column arrangement 65for the space frame structure A and as can be seen in FIG. 4 it isparticularly adapted for use at an intermediate portion of the spaceframe A for providing greater shearing load capacity. In this embodimentthe upper chord frame structure A of the space frame A is supported fromthe top of the upright column 32 by means of cross arm W-beam members 74and 76 mounted substantially at right angles to each other and havingsupport plates preferably welded onto their upper and lower surfaces asshown in FIG. 11. The top of the column 32 has a top plate 78 that isattached thereto preferably by welding and includes vertical ribsections 80 which provide rigidity thereto. The top plate 78 isapertured to receive bolts 82 extending into the lower flange portions84 of each of the cross members 74 and 76 and secured by nuts 85 (FIG.6).

The upper column member 59 similarly has a lower base plate 86 weldedthereto with rib sections 87 and a plurality of arcuately spaced boresthrough which bolts 90 extend. The bolts 90 pass through the top plateand the upper flange portions 92 of the cross members 74 and 76 toengage nuts 91 (FIG. 6) to secure the upper support column 59 to thecross members.

The top and bottom flange portions 84 and 92 of the cross members 74 and76 have reinforcing plates 93 welded near the ends thereof. Stiffenerplates 95 are added as needed. Short seat fixtures 46' are mounted atthe opposite ends of cross member 74 on the top surface of the flangeportions 92 and at the opposite ends of the cross member 76 on thebottom surface of the flange portion 84. The pedestals or short seatfixtures 46 are the same configuration as the seat fixtures 46illustrated in FIG. 3 and are adapted to support the upper chord framestructure A and the lower chord frame structure A in a similar manner.The base plate members 50 are provided with mounting apertures adaptedto register with the mounting apertures (not shown) in the upper andlower flange portions 92 and 84 of the cross members 74 and 76 by anysuitable means, such as nut and bolt assemblies 98. The arms of thecross-shaped seat member 54 of the seat fixtures 46 have mountingapertures 66 adapted to register with the apertures 26 of each strutmember and the mounting apertures 25 in seats 14 of connecting fixtures12 forming part of the upper chord frame structure A to receive themounting bolts 20 which together with the nuts 22 are adapted to fasteneach strut member 10 to each seat 14 of the connecting fixtures 12. Thearms of the lowermost cross-shaped seat members 54 on the seat fixtures46 have mounting apertures 66 adapted to register with the apertures 26of each strut l0 and the mounting apertures 25 in each seat 14 of theconnecting fixtures 12 forming part of the lower chord frame structureA, to receive the mounting bolts 20, which together with the nuts 22 areadapted to fasten each member to each seat I4 of the connecting fixtures12 associated therewith.

The column structure arrangement 65 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides atwo-point support for the upper chord frame structure A and a two-pointsupport or suspension of the lower chord frame structure A, of the spaceframe A by means of the cross arm members 74 and 76 being disposed atsubstantially right angles and mounted at mid-distance from theirrespective ends on top of the support column 39. The upper supportcolumn 59 extends upwardly through the floor space frame A to supportthe next upper floor or the roof space frame B.

Shortened strut members 102 disposed directly above the cross member 74extend from the connecting fixtures I2 associated with each seat fixtureat the opposite ends of the cross member 74 and abut the opposite sidesof the upper support column 59. As can best be seen in FIG. 13, the endsof the shortened strut members 102 adjacent to the support column 59have L-shaped flange members 104, with one leg disposed between adjacentfaces of the strut members 102, while the other leg is in abutment witheach side of the upper support column 59, all of the components beingsecured to each other by any suitable means and preferably by welding.The shortened strut members 102 maintain the stress and loaddistributing capacity and integrity of the space frame.

FIGS. 7, 8 and I2 illustrate another modification of the invention inthe form of a support column arrangement 106 wherein the top of theupright column 32 is provided with a rectangular plate 108 weldedthereto and supported by integral rib sections 110. The upper face ofplate 108 has a plurality of arcuately spaced bores on which a crossmember 112 is mounted by means of bolts 114 extending therethrough forengagement with nuts 116. Similarly, the upper support column 59 has aplate 118 welded thereto and supported by rib portions 120, withstrategically located bores extending therethrough and through whichbolts [22 pass for engagement with nuts [24 to secure the upper supportcolumn 59 to the cross member 112, such that the upper support column 59is securely attached to the lower support column 32 and supportedthereby. Although the space frame is suspended at the upper chordstructure A,, the arrangement 106 could be inverted to connect the lowerchord structure A,. As can best be seen in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, the supportcolumn arrangement 106 is adapted to provide support for the space frameA along the peripheral sides thereof, with the cross member 112 beingdisposed in a plane paralleling the planes of the strut members formingthe upper and lower chord frame structures. The arrangement I06penetrates through the space frame without having edge support beams orother components above or below which would interfere with the floor andceiling panels or require special interior finishing.

Mounted at the opposite ends of the cross member 112 are the short seatfixtures 46 to support the upper chord frame structure A, as shown inFIG. 8. The apertures 56 of each base plate 50 of each seat fixture 46register with mounting apertures in an upper flange portion of the crossmember 112 with bolts [36 and nuts 138 securing the components. The armsof the cross-shaped seat member 54 have mounting apertures 66registering with the apertures 26 in the strut members l0 and themounting apertures 25 in each seat 14 of the connecting fixture forminga part of the upper chord frame structure A, to receive the mountingbolts 20, which together with the nuts 22 are adapted to fasten eachstrut member [0 of the upper chord frame structure to each seat I4 ofthe associated connecting fixture I2. In a manner similar to thatdescribed with respect to the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6,the shortened strut members I02 extending from the connecting fixtures12 associated with the last mentioned seat fixture 46 extend to the sidewall of the support column 59 and are attached thereto by means of theL-shaped members 104.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 another modification of the present invention is shownin the form of a support column arrangement I50 and, as can best be seenin FIG. 4, the support column arrangement is located at a corner sectionof the framework A to compensate for bending moments imposed thereon atthis location. The support column arrangement I50 is similar inconstruction to the support column arrangement 106 shown in FIGS. 7 and8, except one of the seat fixtures 46 at one end of the cross member 112is mounted from the bottom horizontal flange surface 152 of the crossmember 112 and is attached to a connecting fixture 12 of the lower chordframe structure A, by the nuts and bolts 20 and 22 which are securingthe strut members 10 to the connecting fixture 12. The lower supportcolumn 32 extends from the ground and supports the cross member 112 insuch a manner that the cross member 112 is disposed in a plane which is45 from the planes in which the strut members 10 in the upper and lowerchord frame structures A and A are disposed as shown in FIG. 9. As such,the length of the cross member 112 in the column arrangement 150 is lessthan the length of the cross member 112 in the column arrangement I06.

Referring now to FIGS. l4, l5 and 16, another modification of thepresent invention is shown in the form of a support column arrangementcomprising an X- shaped cross seat 162 mounted on the top of the lowerupright column 32 and having a construction similar to the supportcolumn arrangement 65 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 11, except that thecolumn arrangement pierces the space frame at a location normallyoccupied by connecting fixture 12. The cross members 74 and 76 in thearrangement 160 differ from the arrangement 65 in that the cross members74 and 76 are disposed in planes generally parallel to the planes inwhich the strut members 10 of the web structure A: are disposed and thecross members 74 and 76 in the instant embodiment are longer than thecross members illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The column arrangements 160are generally located at an intermediate location within the space framein the same manner as the column arrangement 65 is illustrated in thediagrammatic illustration in FIG. 4.

The opposite ends of each cross member 74 and 76 have a seat fixture 46mounted to the bottom flange surface 162 thereof and are adapted tosupport the lower chord frame structure A in a manner similar to theembodiments heretofore described. The seat fixtures 46 can be mounted onthe opposite side of the cross members to support the upper chord memberA,.' As illustrated in FIG. 15, the upper support column 59 is attachedto the top mid-section of the cross members 74 and 76 by the mountingplate 86 and extends upwardly to support the roof frame structure B. Theopposite sides of the upper support column 59 are attached to upperchord strut members I0 which terminate in L-shaped members that arewelded to the sides of the upper support column 59 in the same manner ashereinbefore described with respect to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. and '7 and thus the stress distributing integrity and loadcarrying capacity of the space frame is preserved.

FIG. 18 is a different embodiment of the present invention which has abasic similarity to the construction shown in FIG. 2. It is particularlyappropriate whe the upper chord frame structure A, is used as a roofand/or floor support. There is included an elongated extension post 49attached at the upper end of the seat fixture 46. The length of theextension post 49 is such that it vertically spans both upper and lowerchord structures A, and A,, respectively. In this manner, it is possibleto add to the space frame the support of the lowermost four additionalstrut members 10. Thus, the load bearing capacity of the space framestructure is increased without the need for including a cross member orbeam such as beams 74 and 76.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a still further embodimentof this invention inwhich the support is of the two-way beam type and has a basic similarityto the structure shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 11. The embodiment as bestshown in FIG. 20 provides an extension of the W-beam member through acentral column extension 57 which is connected by an appropriate boltand nut or welding arrangement between the cross arm W-beam members 74and 76. The column extension 57 is properly braced by rib sections 80and 87 as shown in FIG. 20. Stiffener plates 95 are included asrequired. With the arrangements of FIGS. 19 and 20 it is possible tosupport double layer space frames through the four upwardly orientedpedestal seat fixtures 46.

It can thus be seen that many support column structures may be had byproviding support for a space frame structure having a plurality ofvertically disposed frameworks and that a simple means is provided forvertically carrying such space frame structures and transmitting theloads of the vertically spaced space frames directly through supportcolumns to the ground without having to transfer the loads successivelydownward through each frame structure.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roofframeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower gridlike chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising:

at least one vertical column means;

a framework support assembly carried by said column means and extendingsubstantially horizon- ,tal'ly intermediate said upper and lower chordframe structures,

said framework support assembly comprising a horizontally extending arm,a pair of pedestals, means mounting one of said pedestals to the upperportion of said arm and means mounting said pedestal to'a connectingfixture in said upper chord frame structure and means mounting the otherof said pedestals to the lower portion of said arm and means mountingsaid pedestal to a connecting fixture in said lower chord framestructure.

2. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roofframeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower grid-like chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks apd being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising:

at least one vertical coliimn means;

a framework support assembly carried by said column means and extendingsubstantially horizontally intermediate said upper and lower chord framestructures,

said framework support assembly comprising a pair of horizontallyextending, perpendicularly disposed arms, a pedestal mounted at each endof each of said arms, means mounting a pair of said pedestals to theupper portion of one of said arms with one pedestal mounted at each endthereof and means mounting said pedestals to connecting fixtures in saidupper chord frame structure and means mounting the other pair of saidpedestals to the lower portion of the other of said arms with onepedestal mounted at each end thereof and means mounting said pedestalsto connecting fixtures in said lower chord frame structure.

3. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roofframeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower gridlike chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportinglyconnected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture insaid'floorframework and at leasst one connecting fixture in said roofframework totransmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising:

at least bne vertical column means; I

a framework support assembly carried by said column means and extendingsubstantially horizontally intermediate said upper and lower chord framestructures,

said framework support assembly comprising a horizontally extending arm,a pedestal mounted at each end of said arm, means mounting saidpedestals to the lower portion of saidarm to extend downwardly therefromat opposite ends thereof, and means mounting said pedestals toconnecting fixtures in the lower chord frame structure.

4. The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said column meanscomprises axially aligned columns extending upwardly and downwardly fromsaid floor framework support assembly.

5. The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein said column meanscomprises axially aligned columns extending upwardly and downwardly fromsaid floor framework support assembly.

6. The combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said column meanscomprises axially aligned columns extending upwardly and downwardly fromsaid floor framework support assembly.

7. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying fioor and roofframeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower grid-like chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a w thstructure intermediate said chord frame structune's, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising:

at least one vertical column means;

a framework support assembly disposed proximate one of said floorframework chord frame structures and carried by said column means;

first means supportably connecting at least one connecting fixture ofsaid floor framework to said sup port assembly;

second means supportably securing said support assembly to said columnmeans;

wherein said framework support assembly comprises a cross-shaped memberwith right angled equal length arms each extending in a common horizon-12 tal plane, said column structure comprising axially aligned-columnsextending upwardly and downwardly from said framework support assembly,said cross-shaped member attached substantially at mid-distance betweenits ends on the bottom side thereof to the top of said downwardlyextending column and on the top side of said cross member to the bottomof said upwardly extending column; four pedestal members each having abase, two of saidpedestal members being attached to the top side ofopposing ends of inline arms of said crossshaped member, the other twopedestal members being attached at the opposite ends and bottom side ofthe other inline arms of said cross-shaped member, each of said pedestalmembers having connecting portions at the opposite ends thereof, saidconnecting portions being shaped with equal length arms, the arms ofsaid first mentioned pair of pedestal members adapted to engageconnecting fixtures in said upper chord structure, while the arms of theother pair of pedestal members are adapted to engage connecting fixturesin the lower chord structure.

8. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roofframeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower grid-like chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaf fected, said column structure comprising:

at least one vertical column means;

a framework support assembly disposed proximate one of said floorframework chord frame structures and carried by said column means;

first means supportably connecting at least one connecting fixture ofsaid floor framework to said support assembly; and

second means supportably securing said support assembly to said columnmeans;

wherein said column means comprises axially aligned columns extendingupwardly and downwardly from said framework support assembly, saidframework support assembly comprising a single horizontal beam securedto the lower and upper ends respectively of said upwardly and downwardlyextending columns, said single beam having pedestals carried thereon,one of which is connected to a connecting fixture in one of said chordstructures to support the same;

wherein said single beam is disposed above said upper chord structure,said pedestals extending downwardly for connecting with connecting fix-13 tures in said upper chord structure for support of same.

9. In combination with a plurality of vertically spaced framestructures, each frame structure comprising a lower chord structure, anupper chord structure, and a stress distributing web structure spacingand interconnecting said chord structures, each of said chord structurescomprising a plurality of connecting fixtures spaced along a pluralityoflongitudinal and lateral rows and elongated members extending betweensaid connecting fixtures to form longitudinal and lateral rows ofadjacent two dimensional spaced modules, the modules of one chordstructure being longitudinally and laterally offset from the modules ofthe other chord structure, said web structure comprising elongatedmembers extending between the fixtures of one chord structure and thefixtures of the other chord structure, said elongated members of bothchord structure and the web structure being attached to the connectingfixtures by appropriate fastening means, wherein each of said connectingfixtures comprises:

angled flat surfaces for mounting thereon the ends of the membersforming said web structure and flat surfaces for mounting thereon theends of the members forming said chord structures; support structure forsupporting said plurality of vertically spaced frame structures abovethe ground comprising a first upright support column, the lower end ofsaid support column being supported by the ground, an upper end of saidsupport column disposed proximate one of said chord structures;framework support assembly carried at the upper end of said firstsupport column and engaging at least one of said connecting fixtures forfastening therewith; and second upright support column having a lowerend fastened to said framework support assembly, the uper end of saidsecond upright support column having a second framework support assemblyfastened thereto and engaging at least one of the connecting fixtures ofthe next higher of said vertically spaced frame structures for fasteningtherewith;

wherein said first mentioned framework support assembly comprises ahorizontal beam attached substantially at mid-distance between itsopposite ends to the top of said upright support member, while the topof said beam is attached to the bottom of said second upright supportcolumn; a pair of short pedestal members each having a base, one ofwhich is mounted on the top of said beam at one end thereof, the otherbase being mounted on the bottom of said beam at the other end thereofand each pedestal having connecting portions at their opposite ends,said connecting portions being shaped with equal length arms, one ofwhich is operable to engage the flat surfaces of one of said connectingfixtures in said upper chord structure, the other being operable toengage each of the flat surfaces of one of the connecting fixtures insaid lower chord structure; each of said arms having means cooperablewith said fastening means for conjoint mounting therewith, said beambeing disposed in a vertical plane which is parallel to an elongatedmember in said web structure.

10. In combination with a plurality of vertically spaced framestructures, each frame structure comprising a lower chord structure, anupper chord structure,

and a stress distributing web structure spacing and interconnecting saidchord structures, each of said chord structures comprising a pluralityof connecting fixtures spaced along a plurality of longitudinal andlateral rows and elongated members extending between said connectingfixtures to form longitudinal and lateral rows of adjacent twodimensional spaced modules, the modules of one chord structure beinglongitudinally and laterally offset from the modules of the other chordstructure, said web structure comprising elongated members extendingbetween the fixtures of one chord structure and the fixtures of theother chord structure, said elongated members of both chord structureand the web structure being attached to the connecting fixtures byappropriate fastening means, wherein each of said connecting fixturescomprises:

angled fiat surfaces for mounting thereon the ends of the membersforming said web structure and fiat surfaces for mounting thereon theends of the members forming said chord structures; support structure forsupporting said plurality of vertically spaced frame structures abovethe ground comprising a first upright support column, the lower end ofsaid support column being supported by the ground, an upper end of saidsupport column disposed proximate one of said chord structures;framework support assembly carried at the upper end of said firstsupport column and engaging at least one of said connecting fixtures forfastening therewith; and a second upright support column having a lowerend fastened to said framework support assembly, the upper end of saidsecond upright support column having a second framework support assemblyfastened thereto and engaging at least one of the connecting fixtures ofthe next higher of said vertically spaced frame structures for fasteningtherewith; wherein said first mentioned framework support assemblycomprises a cross-shaped member with equal length arms each extending ina common horizontal plane, said cross-shaped member being attachedsubstantially at mid-distance between its ends on the bottom sidethereof to the top of said first upright support column and on the topside of said cross-shaped member to the bottom of said second uprightsupport column; a plurality of short pedestal members each having abase, a plurality of said members being attached to the top side ofopposing ends of inline arms of said cross-shaped member, the others ofsaid members being attached at the ends and bottom side of the otherinline arms of said cross-shaped member, each of said pedestals havingconnecting portions at the opposite ends thereof, said connectingportions being shaped with equal length arms, the arms of the firstmentioned pair of pedestal members operable to engage the flat surfacesof connecting fixtures in said upper chord structure while the arms ofthe other pair of pedestal members are operable to engage the flatsurfaces of the connecting fixtures in the lower chord structure, eachof the arms having means cooperable with said fastening means forconjoint mounting therewith, on of said crossshaped member arms beingdisposed in a plane which is parallel to one of said elongated membersin said chord structure.

1. The combination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and rooffrAmeworks with an upright support column structure, each frameworkcomprising a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower gridlike chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising: at least onevertical column means; a framework support assembly carried by saidcolumn means and extending substantially horizontally intermediate saidupper and lower chord frame structures, said framework support assemblycomprising a horizontally extending arm, a pair of pedestals, meansmounting one of said pedestals to the upper portion of said arm andmeans mounting said pedestal to a connecting fixture in said upper chordframe structure and means mounting the other of said pedestals to thelower portion of said arm and means mounting said pedestal to aconnecting fixture in said lower chord frame structure.
 2. Thecombination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roof frameworkswith an upright support column structure, each framework comprising aplurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower grid-like chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising: at least onevertical column means; a framework support assembly carried by saidcolumn means and extending substantially horizontally intermediate saidupper and lower chord frame structures, said framework support assemblycomprising a pair of horizontally extending, perpendicularly disposedarms, a pedestal mounted at each end of each of said arms, meansmounting a pair of said pedestals to the upper portion of one of saidarms with one pedestal mounted at each end thereof and means mountingsaid pedestals to connecting fixtures in said upper chord framestructure and means mounting the other pair of said pedestals to thelower portion of the other of said arms with one pedestal mounted ateach end thereof and means mounting said pedestals to connectingfixtures in said lower chord frame structure.
 3. The combination ofvertically spaced load carrying floor and roof frameworks with anupright support column structure, each framework comprising a pluralityof elongated stress and load transmitting struts iNterconnected bystress and load distributing connecting fixtures to define upper andlower gridlike chord frame structures disposed in spaced parallelplanes, a plurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutseach connecting respectively with connecting fixtures of the upper andlower chord frame structures to define a web structure intermediate saidchord frame structures, and fastening means for connecting said strutsto said connecting fixtures; said column structure extending from alower support base through said floor framework to said roof frameworkand supportingly connected to said frameworks and being fastened to atleast one connecting fixture in said floor framework and at leasst oneconnecting fixture in said roof framework to transmit loads of saidframeworks directly to the base through said column structure whilemaintaining the load and stress transmitting and distributingcharacteristics of each framework independently unaffected, said columnstructure comprising: at least one vertical column means; a frameworksupport assembly carried by said column means and extendingsubstantially horizontally intermediate said upper and lower chord framestructures, said framework support assembly comprising a horizontallyextending arm, a pedestal mounted at each end of said arm, meansmounting said pedestals to the lower portion of said arm to extenddownwardly therefrom at opposite ends thereof, and means mounting saidpedestals to connecting fixtures in the lower chord frame structure. 4.The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said column meanscomprises axially aligned columns extending upwardly and downwardly fromsaid floor framework support assembly.
 5. The combination as defined inclaim 2 wherein said column means comprises axially aligned columnsextending upwardly and downwardly from said floor framework supportassembly.
 6. The combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said columnmeans comprises axially aligned columns extending upwardly anddownwardly from said floor framework support assembly.
 7. Thecombination of vertically spaced load carrying floor and roof frameworkswith an upright support column structure, each framework comprising aplurality of elongated stress and load transmitting strutsinterconnected by stress and load distributing connecting fixtures todefine upper and lower grid-like chord frame structures disposed inspaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongated stress and loadtransmitting struts each connecting respectively with connectingfixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures to define a webstructure intermediate said chord frame structures, and fastening meansfor connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures; said columnstructure extending from a lower support base through said floorframework to said roof framework and supportingly connected to saidframeworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture in saidfloor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising: at least onevertical column means; a framework support assembly disposed proximateone of said floor framework chord frame structures and carried by saidcolumn means; first means supportably connecting at least one connectingfixture of said floor framework to said support assembly; second meanssupportably securing said support assembly to said column means; whereinsaid framework support assembly comprises a cross-shaped member withright angled equal length arms each extending in a common horizontalplane, said column structure comprising axially aligned columnsextending upwardly and downwardly from said framework support assembly,said cross-shaped member attached substantially at mid-distance betweeNits ends on the bottom side thereof to the top of said downwardlyextending column and on the top side of said cross member to the bottomof said upwardly extending column; four pedestal members each having abase, two of said pedestal members being attached to the top side ofopposing ends of inline arms of said cross-shaped member, the other twopedestal members being attached at the opposite ends and bottom side ofthe other inline arms of said cross-shaped member, each of said pedestalmembers having connecting portions at the opposite ends thereof, saidconnecting portions being shaped with equal length arms, the arms ofsaid first mentioned pair of pedestal members adapted to engageconnecting fixtures in said upper chord structure, while the arms of theother pair of pedestal members are adapted to engage connecting fixturesin the lower chord structure.
 8. The combination of vertically spacedload carrying floor and roof frameworks with an upright support columnstructure, each framework comprising a plurality of elongated stress andload transmitting struts interconnected by stress and load distributingconnecting fixtures to define upper and lower grid-like chord framestructures disposed in spaced parallel planes, a plurality of elongatedstress and load transmitting struts each connecting respectively withconnecting fixtures of the upper and lower chord frame structures todefine a web structure intermediate said chord frame structures, andfastening means for connecting said struts to said connecting fixtures;said column structure extending from a lower support base through saidfloor framework to said roof framework and supportingly connected tosaid frameworks and being fastened to at least one connecting fixture insaid floor framework and at least one connecting fixture in said roofframework to transmit loads of said frameworks directly to the basethrough said column structure while maintaining the load and stresstransmitting and distributing characteristics of each frameworkindependently unaffected, said column structure comprising: at least onevertical column means; a framework support assembly disposed proximateone of said floor framework chord frame structures and carried by saidcolumn means; first means supportably connecting at least one connectingfixture of said floor framework to said support assembly; and secondmeans supportably securing said support assembly to said column means;wherein said column means comprises axially aligned columns extendingupwardly and downwardly from said framework support assembly, saidframework support assembly comprising a single horizontal beam securedto the lower and upper ends respectively of said upwardly and downwardlyextending columns, said single beam having pedestals carried thereon,one of which is connected to a connecting fixture in one of said chordstructures to support the same; wherein said single beam is disposedabove said upper chord structure, said pedestals extending downwardlyfor connecting with connecting fixtures in said upper chord structurefor support of same.
 9. In combination with a plurality of verticallyspaced frame structures, each frame structure comprising a lower chordstructure, an upper chord structure, and a stress distributing webstructure spacing and interconnecting said chord structures, each ofsaid chord structures comprising a plurality of connecting fixturesspaced along a plurality of longitudinal and lateral rows and elongatedmembers extending between said connecting fixtures to form longitudinaland lateral rows of adjacent two dimensional spaced modules, the modulesof one chord structure being longitudinally and laterally offset fromthe modules of the other chord structure, said web structure comprisingelongated members extending between the fixtures of one chord structureand the fixtures of the other chord structure, said elongated members ofboth chord structure and the web structure being attached to theconnecting fIxtures by appropriate fastening means, wherein each of saidconnecting fixtures comprises: angled flat surfaces for mounting thereonthe ends of the members forming said web structure and flat surfaces formounting thereon the ends of the members forming said chord structures;a support structure for supporting said plurality of vertically spacedframe structures above the ground comprising a first upright supportcolumn, the lower end of said support column being supported by theground, an upper end of said support column disposed proximate one ofsaid chord structures; a framework support assembly carried at the upperend of said first support column and engaging at least one of saidconnecting fixtures for fastening therewith; and a second uprightsupport column having a lower end fastened to said framework supportassembly, the uper end of said second upright support column having asecond framework support assembly fastened thereto and engaging at leastone of the connecting fixtures of the next higher of said verticallyspaced frame structures for fastening therewith; wherein said firstmentioned framework support assembly comprises a horizontal beamattached substantially at mid-distance between its opposite ends to thetop of said upright support member, while the top of said beam isattached to the bottom of said second upright support column; a pair ofshort pedestal members each having a base, one of which is mounted onthe top of said beam at one end thereof, the other base being mounted onthe bottom of said beam at the other end thereof and each pedestalhaving connecting portions at their opposite ends, said connectingportions being shaped with equal length arms, one of which is operableto engage the flat surfaces of one of said connecting fixtures in saidupper chord structure, the other being operable to engage each of theflat surfaces of one of the connecting fixtures in said lower chordstructure; each of said arms having means cooperable with said fasteningmeans for conjoint mounting therewith, said beam being disposed in avertical plane which is parallel to an elongated member in said webstructure.
 10. In combination with a plurality of vertically spacedframe structures, each frame structure comprising a lower chordstructure, an upper chord structure, and a stress distributing webstructure spacing and interconnecting said chord structures, each ofsaid chord structures comprising a plurality of connecting fixturesspaced along a plurality of longitudinal and lateral rows and elongatedmembers extending between said connecting fixtures to form longitudinaland lateral rows of adjacent two dimensional spaced modules, the modulesof one chord structure being longitudinally and laterally offset fromthe modules of the other chord structure, said web structure comprisingelongated members extending between the fixtures of one chord structureand the fixtures of the other chord structure, said elongated members ofboth chord structure and the web structure being attached to theconnecting fixtures by appropriate fastening means, wherein each of saidconnecting fixtures comprises: angled flat surfaces for mounting thereonthe ends of the members forming said web structure and flat surfaces formounting thereon the ends of the members forming said chord structures;a support structure for supporting said plurality of vertically spacedframe structures above the ground comprising a first upright supportcolumn, the lower end of said support column being supported by theground, an upper end of said support column disposed proximate one ofsaid chord structures; a framework support assembly carried at the upperend of said first support column and engaging at least one of saidconnecting fixtures for fastening therewith; and a second uprightsupport column having a lower end fastened to said framework supportassembly, the upper end of said second upright support column having asecond framework support asSembly fastened thereto and engaging at leastone of the connecting fixtures of the next higher of said verticallyspaced frame structures for fastening therewith; wherein said firstmentioned framework support assembly comprises a cross-shaped memberwith equal length arms each extending in a common horizontal plane, saidcross-shaped member being attached substantially at mid-distance betweenits ends on the bottom side thereof to the top of said first uprightsupport column and on the top side of said cross-shaped member to thebottom of said second upright support column; a plurality of shortpedestal members each having a base, a plurality of said members beingattached to the top side of opposing ends of inline arms of saidcross-shaped member, the others of said members being attached at theends and bottom side of the other inline arms of said cross-shapedmember, each of said pedestals having connecting portions at theopposite ends thereof, said connecting portions being shaped with equallength arms, the arms of the first mentioned pair of pedestal membersoperable to engage the flat surfaces of connecting fixtures in saidupper chord structure while the arms of the other pair of pedestalmembers are operable to engage the flat surfaces of the connectingfixtures in the lower chord structure, each of the arms having meanscooperable with said fastening means for conjoint mounting therewith, onof said cross-shaped member arms being disposed in a plane which isparallel to one of said elongated members in said chord structure.